Have you been arrested for homicide in Prince George’s County, MD? We’re a top-rated criminal defense law firm that will make your case our priority. Our Prince George’s homicide defense attorney at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys will help, give us a call at (301) 262-7005 to know your options.
If convicted, you could face harsh penalties that may change your life forever. However, you still have time to stand up for yourself with our help. We’re a top-rated criminal defense law firm in Maryland that will make your case our priority, we have 125 years of combined experience, and our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the state builds serious charges. Contact us today to get your free consultation
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Were Arrested for Homicide in Prince George’s County, MD
Facing homicide charges can be scary, especially when the prosecution and law enforcement seem certain they have the right person. Fortunately, under Maryland law, the state must prove your guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” That gives a knowledgeable lawyer plenty of ways to fight back.
Our Prince George’s County criminal defense lawyers have decades of courtroom experience on both sides—some of us worked as prosecutors before joining the defense. We know local procedures, judges, and opposing counsel strategies.
Here are a few ways we can help you:
- Investigate your case and the evidence against you
- File motions to bolster your defense
- Gather any available exculpatory evidence
- Protect you in court and at trial, if necessary
With homicide cases, the stakes are extremely high, even if you are innocent. We’ll give your situation the attention it deserves. Call us today for a free case review by a Prince George’s County homicide lawyer.
A Brief Overview of Homicide Law in Maryland
In Maryland, homicide occurs when someone’s life is unlawfully taken by another. However, the law classifies homicide into different categories, primarily murder (first or second-degree) and manslaughter (voluntary or involuntary). The final charge depends on the suspect’s intent, actions, and other details specific to the incident.
- First-Degree Murder: Usually requires proof of deliberate and premeditated intent to kill.
- Second-Degree Murder: An intentional killing without premeditation, or certain forms of extreme disregard for human life.
- Manslaughter: A lesser form of homicide, typically involving “heat of passion” or a reckless act that leads to death without clear intent to kill.
Even the least severe homicide offenses can lead to prison time, hefty fines, or both. This makes early legal help crucial, so we can assess what specific crime the state might charge you with and how best to respond.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a Homicide Conviction in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Penalties for a homicide conviction differ based on the type of charge and whether aggravating factors exist. First-degree murder often carries the harshest punishment, such as life imprisonment (sometimes without parole). Second-degree murder might come with a lengthy prison sentence but possibly offers parole options down the road.
Manslaughter, while not as serious as murder, still has severe consequences. Voluntary manslaughter could mean up to a decade in prison, and involuntary manslaughter also brings substantial jail time and fines. If firearms or other dangerous instruments were involved, sentences might increase beyond standard guidelines.
Because homicide convictions can lead to some of the most extreme sentences in Maryland’s criminal code, it’s vital to mount a comprehensive defense. Each penalty differs according to the facts, but any homicide conviction can change your life for good.
Collateral Consequences
Beyond official sentences, a homicide conviction can bring added difficulties.
These “collateral consequences” may include the following:
- Long-term stigma: Future landlords or employers might reject you based on your record.
- Loss of civil rights: Certain felonies prevent you from voting or owning firearms.
- Limited job options: Many career paths close off once you have a felony on your record.
- Immigration impact: Non-citizens could face deportation or visa denial.
A homicide case doesn’t just threaten your freedom—it can also erode your reputation, financial stability, and personal relationships for years to come.
Understanding “Intent” in Homicide Cases
In Maryland, your state of mind can play a big role in determining which homicide charge you face. If the state wants to prove first-degree murder, they must usually show you planned ahead (premeditation) and meant to cause someone’s death.
For second-degree murder, they just need to show you acted with an intent to kill, but not necessarily planned it in advance. If there is no proof of a true intent to kill or if you acted in a sudden rage, the charge might drop to manslaughter.
Because intent can be the main difference between first-degree murder and manslaughter, it’s very important to challenge or question the evidence if you believe it doesn’t show you had the mental focus or plan to commit homicide. An experienced defense attorney can help you with this, and with every other aspect of your case as well.
The Criminal Justice Process in a Prince George’s County Homicide Case
Being charged with homicide in Maryland involves several steps and can last months or even years.
Although each case is unique, here’s a short overview of what the process generally looks like:
- Arrest or summons: Police may arrest you at the scene or later, once they gather enough evidence. You could also receive a summons to appear in court.
- Initial appearance: Soon after the arrest, you’ll go before a judge who explains the charges against you and, in some cases, sets bail. This is often called a “bail hearing.”
- Preliminary hearing or grand jury: The state must prove there’s enough evidence to keep going with the charges. They might do this by presenting to a grand jury or holding a preliminary hearing.
- Arraignment: You’ll be formally charged, and you can enter a plea of “not guilty,” “guilty,” or “no contest.” Often, those charged with homicide plead “not guilty” at this stage.
- Discovery and motions: Both sides exchange information, such as police reports, witness lists, and lab tests. Your lawyer might file motions to exclude or dismiss evidence if it was illegally obtained or lacks merit.
- Plea negotiations: The prosecution might offer a plea deal, such as a lower charge in exchange for a guilty plea. You don’t have to take it; it depends on the facts and your lawyer’s advice.
- Trial: If no deal is reached, or you choose to fight the charge fully, you’ll go to trial. A jury or judge will hear evidence and decide guilt or innocence.
- Sentencing (if applicable): If found guilty, you’ll attend a sentencing hearing. The court will consider many factors before deciding your punishment, such as how serious the crime was and whether you have any past criminal record.
- Appeal (if applicable): You may be able to appeal the decision if you’re found guilty at trial. Alternatively, you may be able to appeal the penalties you are sentenced to.
At each step, you’re entitled to defend yourself with evidence and arguments. An experienced attorney can represent your interests at every stage of the process.
Defenses That Might Apply in a Prince George’s County Homicide Case
To convict you, prosecutors must prove every part of the crime “beyond a reasonable doubt.” That high burden leaves room for several possible defenses:
- Self-defense or defense of another: You believed you or someone else faced an imminent threat of death or serious harm.
- Mistaken identity: Evidence may show that you aren’t actually the person who committed the killing.
- Accident: The death occurred unintentionally, without criminal negligence or recklessness.
- Violation of your rights: If law enforcement secured evidence illegally, we can file motions to suppress it.
- Mental incapacity: If you couldn’t understand your actions or lacked the mental state to form intent, that might lower the severity of your charge.
Determining which defense applies depends on a deep study of the facts. An experienced attorney can zero in on a strategy suited to your unique case.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Prince George’s County Homicide Attorneys
Facing homicide charges is one of the most alarming experiences anyone can go through. Still, you’re entitled to a fair trial—and help from a knowledgeable defense lawyer who will stand up for your rights. Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys has 125 years of combined experience, and we’ve brought our skills to defending people accused of serious crimes, including murder and manslaughter.
Don’t risk facing these allegations alone. Call us today to arrange a free case review by a Prince George’s County homicide lawyer and learn more about your defense options.